Steatohepatitis Center
Steatohepatitis Center

Get expert care for pediatric MASLD from a team focused on your child’s long-term liver health and overall well-being.
Colorectal patient Maxwell Clark and his mom Megan smiling in clinic.

Specialized Care for Children with MASLD

Learning your child has pediatric metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) can feel confusing and stressful. Families often worry about long-term liver damage, and what MASLD means about their child’s future.

At Cincinnati Children’s Steatohepatitis Center, we help families understand their child’s condition and create realistic treatment plans that fit everyday life. We care for children with MASLD and the more severe form called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Our multidisciplinary team combines liver care, obesity medicine expertise, nutrition, psychology and exercise support in one coordinated program. We use advanced imaging, personalized lifestyle support and evidence-based treatments to help improve liver health and overall wellness.

Each year, we care for more than 1,000 children and teens with MASLD and MASH. Families trust our team for our nationally recognized expertise, advanced diagnostic tools and compassionate approach to whole-child care.

Why Choose Cincinnati Children’s Steatohepatitis Center?

  • Multidisciplinary care combines liver specialists, dietitians, psychologists, obesity medicine and nursing experts in one program
  • Advanced liver imaging includes FibroScan®, MRI elastography and body composition testing available in clinic
  • Personalized treatment plans support healthy habit changes, weight management and long-term liver health
  • Research and clinical trial access gives families opportunities to explore innovative therapies and new approaches to care

Expertise and Treatment for Pediatric MASH and MASLD

National Leaders in Pediatric Liver Care

Our specialists are nationally recognized experts in pediatric MASLD and MASH. Cincinnati Children’s is ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals for pediatric gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Our physicians regularly publish research, speak at national conferences and help shape pediatric liver disease guidelines. Members of our team helped lead national guidance for evaluating and treating pediatric MASLD.

Advanced Testing Close to Home

We offer state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tools to better understand your child’s liver health. Testing may include FibroScan® liver stiffness assessment, MRI elastography, ultrasound imaging and body composition analysis.

These tools help us monitor liver changes while reducing the need for more invasive testing whenever possible. For children who need additional evaluation, we also offer advanced liver biopsy options (e.g. endoscopic ultrasound-based liver biopsies).

Whole-Child, Team-Based Support

Children with MASLD and MASH may have additional health issues including diabetes, heart and kidney injury, sleep disturbances and emotional well-being concerns. Our team-based care model brings together experts in liver disease, nutrition, psychology, endocrinology, cardiology, sleep medicine and exercise support.

We work closely with families to create care plans that match each child’s goals, routines and daily life. This personalized approach helps children build healthy habits that can support long-term success.

Experienced Guidance Throughout Care

Our dedicated intake coordinator helps families schedule visits, prepare for appointments and coordinate second opinions when needed. During and after visits, our experienced liver nursing team provides education, follow-up support and care coordination.

We also help families navigate medication approvals for pediatric obesity treatments when appropriate. Spanish-language MASLD clinics are available for many families who prefer care in Spanish.

Research Focused on Better Outcomes

Our program is a leader in pediatric MASLD and MASH research. Families may have access to clinical trials and research studies exploring new ways to improve liver health and prevent long-term complications.

This strong connection between research and patient care allows our team to bring the latest evidence and treatment approaches directly to children and teens receiving care at Cincinnati Children’s.